Grand Tour Wild Cards - 2011 Thread

[The Hitch]

It's tough for Euskaltel. I mean obviously the Tour and the Vuelta are very important for them, but with Antón, and a Giro route that suits him to a tee, and a prospect of winning the race can be very tempting. The problem is that because of their recruitment policy (you're either Basque or came up through the U23 ranks there like Samu did), they have such a smaller squad, which makes things very tricky in terms of squad depth since they would want to have three strong teams because it is plausible for them to win at least one, or even podium in all three races, so you need strong helpers both on the flats and in the mountains to look after Samu and Antón. So with that in mind, I can see why they would want to withdraw from the Giro. It will make things interesting, and nor should it be boring.

If Contador is allowed to ride Vuelta, Anton might as well do the Giro. or better yet, at the Tour, a Samu Anton double team. Let Nieve or someone go for stages at Giro, or Egoi Martinez for KOM, doesnt need to be a super squad, then save to of the best climbers in the world for the Tour, to take it to Andy.

 

[hrotha]

If Contador is allowed to ride Vuelta, Anton might as well do the Giro. or better yet, at the Tour, a Samu Anton double team. Let Nieve or someone go for stages at Giro, or Egoi Martinez for KOM, doesnt need to be a super squad, then save to of the best climbers in the world for the Tour, to take it to Andy.

A Contador fresh out of his suspension shouldn't be a match for an Antón that is 100% focused on the Vuelta. He says he'll do the Giro but in principle he will only try to win a stage or two.

 

[The Hitch]

A Contador fresh out of his suspension shouldn't be a match for an Antón that is 100% focused on the Vuelta. He says he'll do the Giro but in principle he will only try to win a stage or two.

1 year out isnt the same as 2 years out. And nothing stops him from going on training rides, and spending the next year going up and down the Angiliru. And if his suspension gets brought down to a year, from the bizzare 1 year and 2 months thing they have now, he might be able to ride Eneco or something.

Even if Vuelta is his first raceback, he can use earlier days to work himself back to peak. Hell probably lose time on SIerra Nevada but will be able to work himself back into shape over the next 9 days and take everyone on those 3 main days.
Also, form or no form, no way is Anton taking time out of Contador in the tt.

 

[roundabout]

UCI allowing Saxobank to keep Contador's points is even more stupid than the most recent clinic poll.

 

[Michielveedeebee]

UCI allowing Saxobank to keep Contador's points is even more stupid than the most recent clinic poll.

Yes but the UCI is corrupt

 

[icefire]

1 year out isnt the same as 2 years out. And nothing stops him from going on training rides, and spending the next year going up and down the Angiliru. And if his suspension gets brought down to a year, from the bizzare 1 year and 2 months thing they have now, he might be able to ride Eneco or something.

Even if Vuelta is his first raceback, he can use earlier days to work himself back to peak. Hell probably lose time on SIerra Nevada but will be able to work himself back into shape over the next 9 days and take everyone on those 3 main days.
Also, form or no form, no way is Anton taking time out of Contador in the tt.

AC's comeback must start spending July at the beach